How to Create an Invoice for Your Freelance Writing Clients

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Usually, if you want your writing or editing client to pay you, you’ve got to send them an invoice. It’s a good idea even if they pay you regularly without one because an invoice helps both parties keep their records straight.

You can also send an invoice along with magazine articles. In fact, sending an invoice is a professional thing to do.


Fortunately, creating invoices is super simple. I do it this way even though my Quicken will make invoices for me. This just seems easier:

1.   In a new document, centered toward the top of the page, in a largish bold type, write the word: Invoice

2.   Enter a couple of spaces, and on the left using the same bold type, write the word: To:

3.   Tab over a couple of times and in your normal type, put the full contact information of the person you’re billing.

4.   Drop down a space or two and in your bold face, write the word: From

5.   Tabbing over, and in your normal type add your complete contact information.

6.   Drop down another space or two and in your bold face, type the word: Date

7.   In your normal face, put the day you’re sending the invoice.

8.   Drop down several spaces and using your decimal tap, enter the work you’ve done, the hours, your hourly rate and the total. (See example at the link below)

9.   Add additional details as needed.

10.   In bold write the word: Total

11.   Still in bold, total up what’s owed you.

12.   Add any special instructions, sign and mail.

4 Invoicing Tips:

1. Save your first invoice as a template to save redoing everything.
2. Set up a tickler file so you can re-bill, make a phone call, etc. if you have a slow paying client.
3. Keep detail short, but specific.
4. Keep good records for yourself!

Here is a sample Invoice for writing & editing work

Write (and invoice) often and well,

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Related Posts:

• Sample Invoice for Writing & Editing Work
• Too Expensive? Probably Not.
• Bradbury on Writing
• Freelance Writing Jobs Wednesday, July 1, 2009
• What Kind of Freelance Writing is Right For You?

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